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Silhouetted Portals

Susan Hitching (1985)

Made from reclaimed railway sleepers, this piece was originally commissioned for a play park. However, because the pieces are reclaimed sleepers, in warm weather they oozed creosote and so the call went out to rehome the artwork. Milton Keynes took up the call and as the artwork needed to be rehomed away from public contact, the island at Furzton Lake was an ideal setting.

Susan Hitching is an artist, poet, and sculptor who trained at Winchester School of Art, where she learned forging techniques and describes her early metal sculptors as “reflecting the visual shapes scored into the land used in arable farming.” 

The installation at Furzton Lake was sponsored by Art in Milton Keynes (AIM), Commissions for New Towns, and the Landscape Town and Country Ltd.

Silhoutted Portals can be viewed from the bank near the Lynmouth Crescent car park at Furzton Lake. The public art piece is situted on the island at What3words location microfilm.swims.smallest.

Person running along lakeside footpath, Furzton Lake.
Furzton Lake

Furzton Lake boasts scenic views, making it a popular choice for joggers, cyclists and walkers. There is a restaurant overlooking the lake and public toilets available on site.

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Public art in the parks

Discover the pieces of public art which we care for across Milton Keynes' parks and green spaces.

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a metal sphere best descripted as flat metal lines combined creating a not full formed sphere

Armillary Sphere

Armillary Sphere (1995) Created by Justin Tunley, located in the Labyrinth at Campbell Park.
Wooden sculpture with stool in Campbell Park in Milton Keynes

Cave

Cave (2011) Concrete and wood sculpture by Ivan and Heather Morison.
an almost square rock with a swan and person carved into it

Leda and the Swan

Leda and the swan (1992) Granite sculpture by Ronald Rae, inspired by Greek mythology.
a large stone with a person carved into it

War Veteran

War Veteran (2015) Life-sized sculpture by Ronald Rae, carved from granite and installed in Campbell Park.
The image shows a tall, abstract metal sculpture with a deep reddish hue, prominently displayed in a landscaped area. The sculpture features two elongated, interconnected loops designed to look like people. The area surrounding the sculpture is fenced off with a black metal railing, and the ground is covered with low-lying greenery and small flowers. In the background, there are tall, leafy trees under a clear blue sky, creating a peaceful and well-maintained park-like setting.

Chain Reaction

Chain Reaction (1992) Iconic public art piece by Rae Smith, symbolizing interconnectedness.
this is a large rectangular stone of which a skeleton of an animal has been created as well as a person

Animals in War

Animals in War (1998) Granite sculpture by Ronald Rae, honouring animals that died in wars.
this piece of art started of as twigs intertwined to create a den like structure however as time as passed is as grown leaves to create a large bush like appearance with vibrant leaves

Circle Dance

Circle Dance (1997) Living sculpture by Clare Wilks, crafted from willow trees by the canal.
this stone structure has 3 varying vertical rectangular poles however between the 2nd a 3rd pole a large stone ball has been merged into the gap between the poles

Gnomon

Gnomon (1994) Slate and bronze sculpture by Peter Bowker, referencing Milton Keynes’ ley-line.
A black wooden sculpture resembling two branching structures stands amidst dense greenery and tall grass in a wooded area. The sculpture is surrounded by trees and foliage, blending into the natural environment.

Support

Support (2019) Black-painted oak sculpture by Alec Finlay, commemorating Mike Stanley.
lifelike wooden sheep sculptures are positioned among green grass and trees in an outdoor park setting.

The Sheep

The Sheep (2021) Lifelike wooden sheep carved by Luke Chapman.
Shell fossil in stone sculpture

The Fossils

The Fossils (2021) 3 fossils carved into 3 freshly-hewn boulders by Louis Francis
A grassy area featuring distinct white leaf printed stones, creating a striking contrast against the green landscape.

Lime Leaf Stepping Stones

Lime Leaf Stepping Stones (2021) Stone stepping stones shaped like lime leaves, carved by Louis Francis.
This image shows several large, rust-colored metal horseshoes standing upright on a grassy field. The horseshoes are partially buried in the ground and vary in size. The background is filled with dense green trees and foliage.

The Horseshoes

The Horseshoe (2021) Metal sculptures by Arcangel, celebrating canal heritage.
The image shows wooden carved seed pods arranged against a backdrop of grass and a tree. The seed pods vary in size and have intricate details, rough surface pairs with the natural outdoor setting of the tree and grass. The earthy tones of the wood blend harmoniously with the green surroundings.

The Seed Pods

The Seedpods (2021) Redwood sculptures by Ian Freemantle nestled in the parks wildflower meadow
A wooden sculpture of a snake is placed on a grassy area, surrounded by dense, green foliage in the background.

The Snake

The Snake (2021) Redwood sculptures by Ian Freemantle at Great Linford Manor Park.
R3evolution sculpture made out of Corten steel

R3evolution

R3evolution (2018) Corten steel sculpture by Sara Myers, blending nature, technology, and urban life.
This image shows a silver metal sculpture in the shape of a large, intricate leaf. The leaf is standing upright on a patch of grass, with lush green bushes and trees in the background.

The Lime Leaf Chair

The Lime Leaf Chair (2021) Sculpture by Arcangel, inspired by Linford Lime trees.

Frog Band

Frog Band (2013) Created by Emmanuel Changunda and Obediar Madziva at Howe Park Wood.

Pass the Parcel

Pass the Parcel (2016-2018) Interconnected art work symbolizing Milton Keynes’ development.nes.
large triceratops the body is painted green with sunflowers dotted round which are yellow and the dinosaur has a blue head

Triceratops

Triceratops (1979) Concrete and chicken wire sculpture by Bill Billings at Peartree Bridge.

Capture the View

Capture the View (2024) A simple frame that allows viewers to see through to the landscape beyond.

Silhouetted Portals

Silhouetted Portals (1985) Sculpture made from reclaimed railway sleepers, rehomed to Furzton Lake.
metal star figure placed against a sky backdrop

Triple Star Head

Triple Star Head (1987-1993) Stainless steel sculpture by Paul Neagu, featuring cubist influences.

The image shows a group of sculptures resembling cows placed outdoors. These cow sculptures are painted black and white to mimic the appearance of real cows. They are arranged on a mulch-covered path in a grassy, park-like area surrounded by trees. The sculptures seem to be made of a solid material, possibly concrete or similar, giving them a sturdy, permanent presence in the landscape.

Concrete Cows

Concrete Cows (1978) Iconic cows created by Liz Leyh, symbolizing community and artistic spirit.

An aerial view of a large, circular labyrinth set in a grassy field. The labyrinth features intricate, symmetrical pathways outlined in white, forming a complex yet harmonious pattern. The design has four rounded corners that extend outward, adding to its uniqueness. At the center of the labyrinth is a small circular area with a tree, casting a shadow. The surrounding area is lush green, and the labyrinth is perfectly integrated into the landscape, offering a tranquil and meditative visual experience.

Labyrinth

Willen Labyrinth (1988) Landscape design focusing on nature and art integration.

A serene park scene with a lush green lawn and a single, rounded tree on the left. On the right stands a smooth, white marble sculpture with abstract, flowing lines, possibly representing intertwined forms. The sculpture is inscribed with "Souls in Love. In memory of Debbie & Tony Salam." In the background, a row of tall, dark evergreen trees adds depth and contrast. The image exudes a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.

Souls in Love

Souls in Love (2012) White marble sculpture donated to The Parks Trust.

Medicine Wheel

Medicine Wheel (2000) Two concentric stone circles aligned with the Midsummer Line.
The image shows a stone sculpture in a park or garden setting. The sculpture appears abstract, with smooth, rounded contours resembling a seated or crouched figure. It is placed on a square stone base, and there is a small plaque or sign mounted on a short post nearby, likely providing details about the artwork. The surrounding area consists of green grass, trimmed bushes, and trees in the background, giving it a peaceful, natural ambiance.

Hiroshima Departed

Hiroshima Departed (1985) Granite sculpture at Willen Lake North, commemorating Hiroshima victims.
A colorful, artistic bench in a park, featuring a vibrant design with three tall, curved backrests adorned with intricate carvings of aquatic and insect life. The carvings include fish, birds, dragonflies, and other creatures in bright blue, green, and red hues. The bench seat itself is wavy, continuing the nature-inspired theme with additional small, colorful carvings. Surrounding the bench are lush green trees and a well-kept lawn, with a house visible in the background.

Gyosei Art Trail

Gyosei Art Trail (2016) Eight public art pieces located along the Grand Union Canal.

The Bee and the Butterfly

Bee and Butterfly Mosaic (2024) Mosaic by Melanie Mosaics, celebrating pollinators and biodiversity.
The image depicts an outdoor memorial featuring cylindrical pillars of varying heights arranged on a tiled platform under a clear blue sky. Each pillar is inscribed with important dates or events, such as "HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY" and "LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES." The installation includes a dome-like structure in the background, with trees and greenery visible. The design invites reflection on significant historical moments.

Milton Keynes Rose

Milton Keynes Rose (2014) Public space created by Gordon Young in Campbell Park for commemoration, celebration, and contemplation.
Campbell Park Light Pyramid and Beacon

Light Pyramid

Light Pyramid (2012) White steel beacon by Liliane Lijn, replacing an original damaged by lightning.
A tall wooden totem pole with carved and painted human figures stands upright in a grassy area surrounded by lush green trees. The totem pole is prominently positioned with a clear blue sky in the background

Onwards and Upwards

Onwards and Upwards (2010) Sweet chestnut sculpture by Robert Koenig, symbolizing growth.
a large metal head made of metal, it is a copper colour as you walk around the piece the head becomes almost 3D as a second head is slotted through the middle of the first

Head

Head (1990) Corten steel sculpture by Allen Jones, creating a 3D illusion of a human head.